Netflix Coming to Select Android Devices in Canada
Background in Canada
Netflix had launched in Canada a few months earlier, at a subscription price of $7.99 per month at that time. The catalogue was modest at launch but had improved, and the service had become a major way to stream video on different devices.
Why only select devices
Netflix has to satisfy the studios and other providers that license content to it. Because of copyright protection requirements, only some Android phones and tablets would be compatible at first. The company said a solution covering the whole platform would arrive eventually.
Other platforms came first
iOS users and owners of Windows Phone 7 devices already had Netflix on their phones. Android, with its fast growth, was the next platform the company turned to.
The writer’s view
The writer liked subscription services for the value of unlimited access, even to content that is not brand new, and wanted Netflix on all personal devices.
Status today
This is an old announcement. The price quoted is historical, and Netflix now supports Android broadly.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Netflix limited to some Android devices?
Content providers required protection against piracy, and not every device met the DRM requirements.
What did Netflix cost in Canada at launch?
The subscription was $7.99 per month at the time. That price is historical.
Was the limit permanent?
No. Netflix said a platform wide solution would be rolled out eventually.